The Opportunity of Discipleship (4A)

The Opportunity

I believe that there is an unmet need among Christians for discipleship, among the body of Christ and outside of it. Before coming to college and getting plugged in at Greenhouse Church, I had never really understood what discipleship was. I have always been an advocate for youth development, particularly through mentorship, so when I started learning more about this term, I was completely captivated by it.

In September 2018, I attended Greenhouse Leadership Conference. The theme of it was to “Go Make Disciples.” This is not a new idea, however, I think that it has lost its immediacy and relevancy in the eyes of present society. Some Christians have become complacent and comfortable living on Jesus as their salvation alone instead of making Jesus their Lord as well. In Matthew 28, Jesus came to his disciples and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus did not ask his followers to spread the gospel when they wanted to, but instead commanded them because people's lives depended on it and still do til this day.

I see discipleship in two ways. First, Christians have a responsibility to direct non believers to become followers of Christ. Secondly, within the body of Christ, it is necessary for Christians of varying levels of spiritual maturity to be challenging and encouraging one another in their walk with Christ. Both of these connect because in simple terms, I see discipleship as welcoming—in organic and organized ways—people into your life and inviting them to see what living a life devoted to Christ looks like. I am 100% sure that this opportunity exists.

Interview #1: Mid-twenties White Female, Young-life Small Group Leader

1. How would you define discipleship? Discipleship is bringing people into your life and living alongside theirs. It doesn’t have to have a specific structure. It’s about allowing others to learn about Christ from seeing the way you live life and spend time with God.
2. Have you ever been discipled? If so, What was that experience like? Yes! It was extremely impactful. I was discipled by one woman, older than me, for about 8-9 months. The most impactful part was how she invited me to pray with her every morning before we went on a mission trip to Haiti together. She prayed so passionately and I really admired that. I thought she was bold in the way that she spoke to God and through that she showed me ways I could do the same.
3. Have you ever discipled someone? If so, what was that like? I have read the bible with multiple people that I am pouring into right now and live alongside of. Right now, I am doing day by day things and allowing the Lord to move in those spaces.
4. What is the exact nature of this need? Is it a need or not? IT’S A NEED. I can definitely see how crucial it is to have someone, regardless of how old, to speak wisdom, to hold you accountable, and to know what you wrestle with. I think we need people on the same level spiritual level as us for community but we also need people who are more spiritually mature than us to provide insight.
5. Who has the need? EVERYONE. There is not a point in anyone’s life where you can't be learning from someone else. Especially about Jesus.
6. When did you become aware of the need? Do you experience the need all the time or only sometimes? I really became aware of it freshman year and began to understand it summer after sophomore year. I always know that I need it but it definitely comes to light in moments when I am craving wisdom.
7. How are you currently addressing the need? For me, I am trying to intentionally pursue women and see ways that they want to grow. How I can help them with prayer, questions about life and the bible, and preparing them for what is next.

Interview #2: Mid-fifties White Male

1. How would you define discipleship? I would say it can be the one on one meeting of 4 people or less in which you challenge one another and help each other grow spiritually. It could include making goals and sharing experiences and trying to reach those goals.
2. Have you ever been discipled? If so, What was that experience like? Yes. True discipleship is usually uncomfortable because it challenges you to do things you aren't comfortable or used to doing: memorizing scripture, spending time in prayer, witnessing. Jock Terry was a mentor of mine and also Gramps. It has been people who challenge me in my faith.
3. Have you ever discipled someone? If so, what was that like? I have met with some small groups and one on ones to share experience in trying to get to know God better. During these times, we’d share personal things that you would not share with just anybody.
4. What is the exact nature of this need? Is it a need or not? Yes there is a need. However, I don't think its done very well by most people. Often times it can become very legalistic and turn into someone instructing the follower how to live by the law and follow an ABC format on how to improve your life but it's deeper than that. It's getting to know who God is and getting to know yourself.
5. Who has the need? I think young men most definitely need discipleship because a lot of the family issues we deal with today in our society come from young men not knowing or having misconceptions about their role in the family.
6. When did you become aware of the need? Do you experience the need all the time or only sometimes? When I was out of college and got married I realized I needed someone to get advice from. In marriage you are confronted with things you don't know the answer to and need someone with wisdom who has been there before.
7. How are you currently addressing the need? I am probably lacking in that area right now. I am not discipling anyone on a one to one basis right now but I want to be. I am mentoring my staff and my teammates at the clinic but within church, not anyone at the moment.
8. What is the reward in discipleship? When someone confides in you it gives you confidence that you are doing God’s work and being there for people when they need it. Also, discipleship can provide perspective and objective to your issues.

Interview #3: Freshman Haitian Female, currently being discipled

1. How would you define discipleship? I believe that when you accept Jesus Christ it doesn't stop there; he gives you a new spirit to walk in righteousness and be renewed in your mind to do the works he has called you to do. With my disciple right now, she is equipping me to make other disciples. As we follow Jesus we are called to go on a mission to serve others and direct them to Jesus. Discipleship is not only about you being freed but also leading other people to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God.
2. Have you ever been discipled? If so, What was that experience like? At the moment I am being discipled! It’s great because I have someone who is following Jesus with me and showing me how I can lead others to Christ. I am not being a comfortable and complacent Christian. In this relationship I am being challenged to get out of my comfort zone; I have authority through Christ in order to live on mission.
3. Have you ever discipled someone? If so, what was that like? My discipleship to others was more organic and was the everyday interactions with people. With my close friends back home I was the initiator. I was keeping them accountable with how they were living their lives in regards to their relationship with Christ. If people were to ask me questions I would represent and imitate Christ in my answers. Now, I have a desire to meet with someone and share the gospel more often with people who don't know Christ.
4. What is the exact nature of this need? Is it a need or not? IT'S A NEED because Jesus commanded us to do it. We can’t truly see the power of Christ living in us if we aren't doing anything about it. We are world changers.
5. Who has the need? Everybody! But specifically I’d say high schoolers and middle schoolers. They are incredibly influenced by society in the wrong way. They don’t have as much guidance in their lives and often don't have many people to check them and hold then accountable. Personally, I got saved freshman year in high school and it was a long process for me to know what living for Christ was like.
6. When did you become aware of the need? Do you experience the need all the time or only sometimes? All the time. I feel like I mostly recognized my need and importance of it and when I came to UF and started attending Greenhouse Church.
7. How are you currently addressing the need? Personally, I’m being discipled and being poured into. I am involving myself in a community that is equipping and convicting me. In regards to others, I am tutoring high school and middle school students at Aces in Motion.
8. What is the reward in discipleship? Not only are you saved from yourself but you are also freeing others by the power of God working through you. The only way to share God's glory is to share his identity. His glory can be shown through us. Without it, you won’t see fruits of the spirit and Christ’s nature manifest.

Reflection & Summary

After talking “customers” and fellow disciples, I still believe the opportunity exists. Honestly, until Jesus returns, there will always be a need for discipleship. However, I am encouraged by them because they have identified the issue and the reasons behind why a lack of discipleship exists: apathy, comfortability, fear of sharing the gospel, and sometimes even unintentional ignorance. The way we solve this is by simple multiplication. Once someone disciples another one-to-one, now that person can go out and do the same for another believer or non believer. When Christ followers really begin to live out the Great Commission and go on mission for Christ and His people, the discipleship opportunity will begin to be solved. I think entrepreneurs, —in my example, followers of Christ and Church leaders—should 1) rely on scripture to guide discipleship 2) pray over any discipling opportunity they have and 3) stay in tune with this world so that we may minister and be a guide to the lost. Discipleship is not going to be easy. It requires putting Christ at the forefront of your life. But ultimately, spreading the good news of the gospel and encouraging others to walk on Christ is worth it!